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Singapore Changi Airport: Difference between revisions
→Official Spotting Locations
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Newly opened in November 2010, this area is just about the only public place in the airport which you can have a clear view of aircraft movements in air conditioned comfort. It provides a clear view of the central apron, as well as movements along the three North Cross taxiways. Aircraft parked at the remote bays off the terminal, the cargo terminal and at SIAEC hangars are also visible from a distance, although the many obstacles make a full, unblocked view of the aircraft there impossible. From a distance, 20R and 20C approaches, 02L and 02C departures and 20R lineups for departure are visible. | Newly opened in November 2010, this area is just about the only public place in the airport which you can have a clear view of aircraft movements in air conditioned comfort. It provides a clear view of the central apron, as well as movements along the three North Cross taxiways. Aircraft parked at the remote bays off the terminal, the cargo terminal and at SIAEC hangars are also visible from a distance, although the many obstacles make a full, unblocked view of the aircraft there impossible. From a distance, 20R and 20C approaches, 02L and 02C departures and 20R lineups for departure are visible. | ||
The most common airlines using central apron gates are AirAsia and Jetstar, although a variety of airlines use these gates on a regular basis as well. It is advisable to check the gates of the flights online at the airport website (information is usually online up to | The most common airlines using central apron gates are AirAsia and Jetstar, although a variety of airlines use these gates on a regular basis as well. It is advisable to check the gates of the flights online at the airport website (information is usually online up to three to 12 hours before) as on some days there are very few flights using the central apron whilst on other days it can be full house there. | ||
The viewing mall is located one floor above the departure hall. Escalators to the viewing mall are located | The viewing mall is located one floor above the departure hall. Escalators to the viewing mall are located at the centre of the Departure Hall. | ||
'''Lens''': The required lens focal length to spot here would be about | '''Lens''': The required lens focal length to spot here would be about 16mm-300mm [on 1.5x crop body] for most shots. Photography of aircraft is best when the aircraft are located inside the central apron or on North Cross 3, as North Cross 1 and 2 are often shrouded in heat haze from nearby aircraft. | ||
'''Facilities''': Restrooms, seating areas, water dispenser, air conditioning. Restaurants available nearby. | '''Facilities''': Restrooms, seating areas, water dispenser, air conditioning. Restaurants available nearby. | ||
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===Terminal 2 Public Indoor Viewing Mall (Aviation Gallery)=== | ===Terminal 2 Public Indoor Viewing Mall (Aviation Gallery)=== | ||
The viewing mall here offers a view of many Singapore Airlines | The viewing mall here offers a view of many Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Malaysian Airlines aircraft, which are the main users of Terminal 2. Movements on 20C/02C are also visible. However, this location is unsuitable for photography, firstly as the glass panels are tinted green, and secondly the transit mall extends under the viewing mall, effectively placing two layers of glass in front of you, and a lot of panel frames to contend with. The sunshades also block you from looking at eye level, instead you have to look downwards to see the aircraft parked at the apron. | ||
The relatively small size of the viewing mall also means that it tends to get crowded often, especially on weekends. There are many restaurants on the same level, which you will pass by before you get to the viewing mall. | The relatively small size of the viewing mall also means that it tends to get crowded often, especially on weekends. There are many restaurants on the same level, which you will pass by before you get to the viewing mall. | ||
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This viewing mall has now been newly renovated into a aviation gallery which has exhibits and information on the ground operations of the airport. The view remains the same. | This viewing mall has now been newly renovated into a aviation gallery which has exhibits and information on the ground operations of the airport. The view remains the same. | ||
===Terminal 3 Public Indoor Viewing Mall=== | ===Terminal 3 Public Indoor Viewing Mall (Aviation Gallery)=== | ||
The viewing mall here offers a different angle of view from the other viewing malls at Changi, giving you a more aerial-like view of the apron. Aircraft that can be seen from here are Singapore Airlines heavies | The viewing mall here offers a different angle of view from the other viewing malls at Changi, giving you a more aerial-like view of the apron. Aircraft that can be seen from here are Singapore Airlines heavies and movements on 20R/02L, the main arrival runway. However, just like at Terminal 2, the transit lounge extends beyond the viewing mall, thus the two layers of glass frames block clear views of the planes. Photography here is also near impossible. | ||
Do note that the viewing mall tends to get crowded during the weekends but due to its large area this is quite tolerable. There is a restaurant located within the viewing gallery (Earl's Swensons) and it is a good place to dine and watch the planes at the same time! | Do note that the viewing mall tends to get crowded during the weekends but due to its large area this is quite tolerable. There is a restaurant located within the viewing gallery (Earl's Swensons) and it is a good place to dine and watch the planes at the same time! | ||
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===Transit Malls=== | ===Transit Malls=== | ||
The transit malls will offer you one of the best locations to spot, giving you close views of aircraft parked at the gates. | The transit malls will offer you one of the best locations to spot, giving you close views of aircraft parked at the gates. At all three terminals now, some aircraft can be just a few metres from the glass. | ||
At Changi, your best bet will be to walk in a straight line after clearing immigration (you have to walk around the shops sometimes though) and you will reach the big glass panels where you can get a good view of the planes. | At Changi, your best bet will be to walk in a straight line after clearing immigration (you have to walk around the shops sometimes though) and you will reach the big glass panels where you can get a good view of the planes. | ||
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected by skytrain so you can hop around terminals to spot if time permits. Walking between terminals is another option. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants in the terminal. | Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected by skytrain so you can hop around terminals to spot if time permits. Walking between terminals is another option. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants in the terminal. | ||
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'''Terminal 2''' | '''Terminal 2''' | ||
There are big glass panels spanning the height of the terminal here for the entire length of the central apron. You can also see gate F31, the first gate to be A380-ready, and its three jetways from here. However, there are currently no scheduled A380 flights from T2. The gate right next to the glass | There are big glass panels spanning the height of the terminal here for the entire length of the central apron. You can also see gate F31, the first gate to be A380-ready, and its three jetways from here. However, there are currently no scheduled A380 flights from T2. The gate right next to the glass sees only A320 and B737s, but even then their wingtips come close to the glass. This place is very well lit at night, especially the colourful shop signs, so do watch out for reflections. There is also a very useful ledge (which is actually the glass panel frame) which can be used for a tripod at night, or a support to stabilise your shots in the day, and is wide enough to accomodate a DSLR and certain lenses. Movements on the T2 central apron, as well as on 20C/02C can be seen from here. Do note that the glass is tinted green, and it can affect your pictures, so watch your colours closely. Spotting is best done in the afternoon. The double layer of glass internally reflects light which may cause reflections even if the camera is shielded. | ||
'''Terminal 3''' | '''Terminal 3''' | ||